Natural Sore Throat/Strep Throat Tea

I had a really bad sore throat this past weekend...stuffy nose, headache, full body ache (never had that before!)I tried everything I could think of as I still do not have health insurance...and I really don't like taking antibiotics (if you ever do take them, make sure to take probiotics too so you don't get a secondary infection.)

Anyways, I finally found something that started to work! My sore throat is almost gone today, so I only had it for three days (Friday it was just starting, and today it's tailing off...so technically five...but only three with really bad symptoms)It would have been even less if I had done this sooner. I didn't take it until the third day.

Normally when I have a bad sore throat it lasts over a week, and usually requires antibiotics to go away.

Here's what I did(INGREDIENTS):

I took oregano and basil from my spices. I suppose you could buy them in a tea or get them in the leaves...I just used what I already had.

I mixed in some cinnamon and cayenne also.

Then I had Manuka Honey and boiling water.

*Manuka honey works better without heat, but it's active ingedients are not completely destroyed in the hot water. I had the Honey alone too, but it got too sweet and I liked it better warm in the tea.(the cinnamon works with the sugar in the honey also....cinnamon regulates sugar levels in the body,great for diabetics as well!)

If you want the honey at the strongest strength, have a spoonful of honey, and then drink the tea. The honey really makes the drink more tolerable though.

That's all there is too it!



Oh, and I sliced half a clove of a garlic and put it in my nostrils for twenty minutes. I know, sound gross, but it worked and my nose instantly became clearer.However, it does burn a little. Take it out if it starts to sting lol


Why did I pick these ingredients?

These are just a FEW of the reassons (these ingredients have a lot of other health benefits, but these are just the ones specific to colds, flu's, and strep throat)

According to Worlds Healthiest foods:

Oregano:
An Effective Anti-Bacterial

The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.


Basil:

DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties

The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These anti-bacterial properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)
Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.


Cinnamon:
Anti-Microbial Activity

Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts.
Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.

lood Sugar Control
Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact on your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Researchers measured how quickly the stomach emptied after 14 healthy subjects ate 300 grams (1.2 cups) of rice pudding alone or seasoned with 6 grams (1.2 teaspoons) of cinnamon. Adding cinnamon to the rice pudding lowered the gastric emptying rate from 37% to 34.5% and significantly lessened the rise in blood sugar levels after eating. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 007 Jun;85(6):1552-6.
Cinnamon may also significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon's beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase.

Cayenne:
Clear Congestion

Capsaicin not only reduces pain, but its peppery heat also stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs. Capsaicin is similar to a compound found in many cold remedies for breaking up congestion, except that capsaicin works much faster. A tea made with hot cayenne pepper very quickly stimulates the mucus membranes lining the nasal passages to drain, helping to relieve congestion and stuffiness. Next cold and flu season, give it a try.

Boost Immunity

Cayenne peppers' bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 29.4% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Fight Inflammation

All chili peppers, including cayenne, contain capsaicin, which in addition to giving cayenne its characteristic heat, is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. The hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. The hottest varieties include habanero and Scotch bonnet as well as cayenne peppers. Jalapenos are next in their heat and capsaicin content, followed by the milder varieties, including Spanish pimentos, and Anaheim and Hungarian cherry peppers.

Capsaicin is being studied as an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. When animals injected with a substance that causes inflammatory arthritis were fed a diet that contained capsaicin, they had delayed onset of arthritis, and also significantly reduced paw inflammation.

Natural Pain Relief

Topical capsaicin has been shown in studies to be an effective treatment for cluster headaches and osteoarthritis pain. Several review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate disabling pain associated with this condition.

In a double-blind placebo controlled trial, nearly 200 patients with psoriasis were given topical preparations containing either capsaicin or placebo. Patients who were given capsaicin reported significant improvement based on a severity score which traced symptoms associated with psoriasis. The side effect reported with topical capsaicin cream is a burning sensation at the area of application.


And last, but not lease, manuka honey:
For thousands of years, honey has been a popular folk medicine around the world for ailments ranging from ulcers to infected wounds. Recent studies have reinforced honey's superiority to standard medical treatments. Researchers have focused on one type of honey with an exceptionally high level of antibacterial activity. They have found that this special type of honey, known as Manuka Honey is even powerful enough to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and capable of clearing Staph infections.

All types of honey have some antibacterial properties, partly due to the combination of a high concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) and acid. In addition, scientists have come to understand that honey's antibacterial properties are also due to hydrogen peroxide which is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey. Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF as well as a compound known as Methylglyoxal.

Studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey hastens the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with traditional medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage, and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations cause tissue damage. However, the moist environment created by Manuka Honey is not only essential for tissue re-growth but Manuka Honey also reduces pain and cell damage. In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey has a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue growth.

The recent outbreak of Staph infections, MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are making doctors and other medical professionals rethink the use of antibiotics and explore more natural alternatives such as the use of Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is the only honey that is rated and tested for its antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey's high potency comes from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the tea tree known as the Manuka bush which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Honeybees carry twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey.

Manuka Honey also has the ability to retain its potency, more so than other types of honey, even when diluted or exposed to heat. For example, hydrogen peroxide is diminished or destroyed by contact with the catalase enzyme present in the blood and other bodily fluids. A similar destructive scenario occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water. In other words, taking honey with hot tea for a sore throat might be counterproductive. However, Manuka Honey retains a high degree of its antibacterial activity in both of these scenarios.

Studies have been conducted around the world demonstrating that honey produces faster results with fewer complications in comparison to traditional forms of medicine and pharmaceuticals for everything from eczema to ringworm. In addition to antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been determined to have natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it effective for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, athlete's foot and other fungal conditions.